Obituary for Carol Lynn Lawrence (Wood)

Carol Lynn Lawrence, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed peacefully into heaven on November 16, 2025. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Carol grew up with a love of family, learning, and faith. She attended the University of Tennessee before embarking on a rich and varied life journey marked by hard work, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Carol’s greatest joy was her family—her two daughters and three cherished grandchildren. Nothing delighted her more than spending time with them. Her nurturing spirit extended well beyond her home, touching countless people throughout her career. Over the years, she owned and operated a daycare center for toddlers, welcomed travelers as an Air B&B host, served as a buyer for Lawrence Livermore Labs and EG&G, and worked as a bank teller in Honolulu. Whatever role she took on, Carol approached it with warmth, diligence, and a genuine love for people.

She had a lifelong affection for cooking, and she found simple daily joy in watching the activity at her bird feeders. Her deepest passions, however, were studying the Bible and immersing herself in music—sources of strength and peace that shaped her life and guided her steps. A devoted believer, Carol remained actively involved in Bible study groups in every community she called home.

Carol spent 36 beautiful years married to David Wood, raising their daughters and building a life filled with love until his own “trip to heaven” in 2017. Together they lived in Santa Barbara, Boulder, Nevada City and Sarasota. In 2021, Carol married Brad Lawrence, and the two made their home in Payson, Arizona, where Carol quickly became part of a welcoming faith community.

Carol was known for her bright smile, warm heart, and gentle spirit. She had a natural gift for making others feel seen, supported, and loved. Her presence was a comfort, her laughter a blessing, and her faith an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Gladys Thompson, her younger brother, Steve, and her first husband, David. She is survived by her loving husband, Brad; her older brother, David, her daughters, Lindsay (Nick) Kellams and Ashley Wood; and her treasured grandchildren, Audey Mae Wood, Charlotte and William Kellams.

Carol’s legacy is one of kindness, devotion, and steadfast faith. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.